The People of the Vale

Latest revision as of 22:21, 7 January 2020

The People of the Vale are separate from the rest of the world, isolated in the farthest reaches of the forests, marshes, and mountains. So apart, they have developed their own culture, customs, ways of making war, and religion. Valiens come from every species, every unit, every realm, only distinguished by the unique way they approach and perceive the world.

[edit] Background

Nestled far away from conventional culture, Valiens have far less factionalism and there is seen in every area where they dwell a distinctive blending of various tribal systems. In most realms, the coexistence of elves and orcs, gnomes and trolls, would be laughable or unheard of; but survival, not jingoism, motivates the People of the Vale. Trolls wearing collars and large hats, dwarves participating in The Great Hunt, humans building settlements and mills alongside Gnolls; this is the way of life out in the Wilds.

[edit] Religion, Magic, and Superstition

As a general rule, the People of the Vale are extremely superstitious and pious. They serve the Dread Gods for the most part, though nature worship and totemic systems are also very common. War for Valiens is a religious experience, not done for wealth, distinction, or land (though those may be gained as a consequence), but for sake of their piety. Witch Doctors, Hunters, and Warriors are the most respected members of Valien society.

Prone to workings in dark magic and iconic casting, it is not uncommon for Valiens to seek out a Witch Doctor for blessings, blood rites, or divination concerning the hunt or war. The night before a battle, it is custom for Valiens to consume a massive amount of alcohol and dance themselves into a stupor. This ensures a level head and strong fighting spirit in the coming battle. The consumption of the flesh of the dead is considered to be a honourable rite so that the fallen dead may continue living and fighting in the body of the victor. To not consume a fallen comrade is considered a great offense and shows disrespect for the fallen.

Many Valiens are participants in The Great Hunt.

[edit] War and Weapons

Valiens approach war as an act of devotion, so it is no surprise that they are some of the fiercest and most reckless fighters in the world. To die in battle and to be consumed by a comrade is considered a great honour, so much so that the fallen are cast in totems and worshiped along with the other tribal deities. Valiens fight well individually, but work well in units where other such minded fighters exist.

Due to their relative isolation, most Valiens limit themselves to simple weapons like stones, spears, arrows, and crude daggers and clubs. They should not be underestimated, however, for their lack of sophisticated weaponry, for they wield their simple weapons with devastating skill. While uncommon, some Valiens train with more complicated weapons like shields, swords, and glaives; but since the resources and technology of forging such weapons is foreign to their society, their equipment in this field is limited to what they can pillage off the bodies of slain enemies.

[edit] Known Vale Tribes

Vale Tribes normally take the name of the fauna or flora native to their local due to their closeness to nature.

• Kei'uptik Tribe, Keepers of the Pines (Stygia)